Pace-setters South Northumberland face Durham Cricket Academy tomorrow in a match which could go a long way towards deciding the league title.

Durham narrowed South North's lead at the top of the league on Saturday to 16 points following their win over Tynemouth.

Geoff Cook's Academy had declared within 60 overs and the extra eight points they took over South North, who beat city rivals Newcastle, saw them reel in John Graham's title chasers ahead of the big game.

There will be plenty at stake tomorrow when the two sides, neither of whom has won the Premier League title before, meet in Gosforth.

South North, set to include West Indian paceman Reon King, are hoping to extend their six-game winning streak, which has taken them to the top of the table.

The Academy, meanwhile, look to maintain their own impressive form.

South North skipper Graham knows the importance of a win to keep the Academy at bay with the season now well over the halfway point.

"We're playing well and have won our last six games," said Graham, who took over the captaincy from Adam Heather this season.

"But Durham Cricket Academy are playing very well themselves and it looks like the league will go all the way.

"Tomorrow's is going to be a big game and a win would leave us in a healthy position but we know it won't be easy."

Elsewhere Philadelphia, Blaydon, Gateshead Fell, Tynemouth and Norton are all facing up to a relegation battle.

Relegation was introduced into the Premier League last season.

Bottom-placed Tynemouth escaped the drop with the winners of the feeder leagues not electing to join.

But this season relegation will be a reality and second-from-bottom Tynemouth, with just one win to their name this season, need a win against Sunderland.

And third-from-bottom Gateshead Fell know a win at basement club Norton would ease their plight.